The Customs Broker provision of the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) permits importers to file customs documentation without using a licensed customs broker, including through electronic customs platforms, and prohibits Parties from limiting the number of ports at which brokers can operate. This fact sheet highlights changes from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
USMCA’s Authorized Economic Operator provision requires each Party to maintain a trade facilitation partnership programs for operators who meet specific security criteria. This cooperation currently exists among Canada's Partners in Protection (PIP), United States' Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism (CTPAT) programs, and Mexico's Operadores Económicos Autorizados (OEA).
USMCA also includes provisions on efficient border inspection procedures, regional and bilateral cooperation on enforcement, and post clearance audit procedures.
